No matter where you are, somewhere in the world is exactly kitesurfing o’clock!

We can’t help it, because if the sea (or ocean) calls, we answer!. But here comes the big question when practicing it – should you buy your own equipment or depend on renting some. Here are some pros and cons about both options! But first…

 

What is kitesurfing?

This part of the article is mostly for those of you, who are interested in trying kitesurfing for the first time. But even if you already have and are on the verge of deciding to buy or to rent – this is for you too.

First thing you should know – the sport is also called kiteboarding. The amazing thing about it is that it is a simple sport – or at least a lot simpler than windsurfing or paragliding, for instance. The required equipment you have to own or rent is a board and a wing, as well as a swimsuit.

From a historical point of view, kitesurfing is a combination of quite a few sports, deeply loved by many throughout the years. To name some of them: windsurfing, paragliding, surfing, snowboarding, skateboarding, and wakeboarding. The first time the world heard of kitesurfing, was in the 90s. During the next 10 years, until the 2000s, it grew bigger. It became so big it became what no sport ever wants to be branded as mainstream. But that didn’t stop it from going strong with different levels, tournaments, and even various surfaces.

Nowadays when you start practicing kitesurfing you have to be prepared to learn two very important things – how to balance on your board and coordination of your hands so you can correctly guide the kite/wing. But even before you get the grip of it, you will most likely fall in love with kitesurfing – fast and inevitable. We can even guarantee you will start researching equipment right after your first try.

Moreover, one of the best things about kitesurfing is everybody can do it. You don’t need to be particularly athletic or to have a sports background. Brute strength will get you practically nowhere if you don’t want to learn the skills. It also doesn’t matter how old you are – anyone can kitesurf.

 

What equipment do you need?

We briefly mentioned a shortlist above, but when it comes to it, there are quite a few things you should get, check and be ready to invest in if you want to dwell into the world of kitesurfing seriously. Or, of course, be ready to rent.

The key equipment you need for your kitesurfing practices, is:

-          A board

-          A wing/kite

-          Trapezoid

-          Harness – waist or seat

-          Safety leash

-          Helmet

-          Water shoes

-          Wetsuit

-          Sunglasses

The board, also known as “A Door Board”, can come in different sizes. As a rule, for beginners, it’s easier to start with a bigger board while they learn to balance correctly. After you master that, you can switch to a shorter board that will allow you more flexibility, movement, and even an option to do acrobatics.

The wing is probably the most important part of the equipment. The material it’s made of is special – it’s called ripstop polyester. It’s more resistant to UV light than nylon. It also doesn’t sink in water but at the same time is super light and when the wind fills it, it has the ability to pull you forward on the water (or another surface).

The harness is a very interesting part of the kitesurfing equipment. When you’re first learning to kite, a lot of specialists say it’s better to use a seat harness. The answer why is that is it gives you more support while you learn to balance the board and steer the kite – something you will need while the waves are trying to knock you down in the water and the wind is pulling you wherever it wants to. When you get the grip of it though, you can switch to a waist harness with more freedom of movement and comfort. If you have back problems though, you can easily continue to kite with the seat harness – whichever suits your style and needs.

After the harness comes the safety leash. As the name states, it’s a tool that will keep you safe while you’re practicing your favorite sport. No kitesurfer should even think about entering the water without one. Just as well, you shouldn’t forget your helmet on the beach – it will save you from head injuries in the water.

Additional equipment you should think of is a wetsuit and water shoes. You should know a regular swimsuit will not work very well. First of all, because the harness will sit better on some fabric, instead of on your bare skin. Second of all, the wetsuit will keep you safe from the UV light of the sun and will keep you warmer than most clothing, when you fall and get out of the water. Wetsuits are made from special fabric just because of that reason.

Last, but not least, for your comfort and better posture, without slips from the board, you may want to have water shoes on your feet. Trust us, it will make all the difference in the world when you’re just starting.

Just as well – you would never forget your sunglasses for the beach. Don’t do it for your kitesurfing lessons or training sessions. You will constantly be looking up, to the wing, sometimes right towards the sun. Thank is later!

 

Why is it a good idea to buy kitesurfing equipment

Now that it’s clear what are all the elements of the equipment you need for the best kitesurfing experience, it’s time to discuss the ultimate question: is it better to buy or rent?

Of course, there is always the absolute positive point that when you buy your own equipment, you are the only one who uses it. This is a thing you would want to take into consideration, because:

-          With time the equipment wears out – tears on the wing, possible problems with the harness, not being comfortable enough, etc.

-          Hygiene matters – it is definitely better to have your own wetsuit and water shoes, as well as a helmet.

-          Buying means, you can always count the right board and wing for your kitesurfing practices.

Now, if you want to buy brand new equipment for your favorite sporting activities, you will have to be ready to invest a certain sum of money. Depending on the brands you choose, you will have to $1,000 to $3,000 US dollars for the basic kit: harness, board, and kite. The kite is usually the most expensive part of it.

The sum can go down if you choose to get second-hand equipment. But you have to be really careful when going with this option. Inspect the kite very carefully for cuts and tears and beware – do not buy one that is 4 or more years old, if it’s been regularly used! You will be throwing away your money since the “life” of the fabric is 3 to 5 years most.

Of course, you shouldn’t forget equipment needs maintaining, so you gave to prepare for minor investments here and there for that too – wax for the board, possible cuts in the wing, etc.

 

Why you’d want to rent, instead of buying

As we stated above, buying is always better for plenty of reasons. But if you can’t afford it, you’re not entirely sure kitesurfing is your thing, or you travel to kitesurf, there are plenty of places you can rent equipment from. Most of them offer everything – from wetsuits to the board and kite.

Renting equipment is comfortable and more affordable for a few reasons.

First of all, you have the freedom to try different boards and harnesses, before you set your mind on what is most comfortable for you without having to spend a ton of money on them.

Second, in the short term, you invest far less money. This is good if you don’t practice regularly, but rather seasonally or annually. Depending on where you go, rented equipment prices can differ. In Thailand for example, the prices for the full equipment for an hour of practice are around 30$, and for the whole day – around 80$. In the UK though, the prices go from £25 per hour and £70 per whole day. For comparison, prices in Greece are around €40 per hour, adding €15 every hour started.

Be advised though – some kitesurfing schools and shops only rent to experienced kitesurfers. Research in advance and even call to ask – it’s better than getting there and missing the good weather, waves and sun because of a misunderstanding.

Renting will also save you space. If you’re living in a small apartment or don’t have a lot of free space in your garage, renting is a good option. And if you don’t have a car – you won’t be troubled with carrying the equipment to the desired spot.

Nevertheless, when renting, be careful every time. Always check the integrity of the kite and the harness and ask about elements, if you have to.

Knowing all this, what would you consider doing – renting or buying?

Did you rent or buy your first equipment when kitesurfing? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to share your thoughts about your own equipment if you have one now and may the winds be with you on the waves every time you’re kitesurfing!